Bling Your Thing Entries Post VI - Late Entry

Entry # 16 Janet - http://cariboucrossingchronicles.blogspot.com/

"I made this wreath in 2010 from an idea in Quilting Arts Magazine.  It is silk flowers, taken apart and layered on Timtex and a backing, quilted, edges finished and bling added."

The last entry for the Bling Your Thing - Teeny Tiny Challenge!  Thank you Janet....what a fun wreath you have made.  More great ideas for Blinging Everything! :)

Next post is a post of the PRIZES :)

Smiles,
Kelly

Bling Your Thing Entries Post V

Entry #14 Jean Overmeyer

 "Attached is a photo of my submission for your bling challenge!  I added Swarovski crystals to my latest quilt label, using my new Kandi's Professional Touch Rhinestone Applicator.  It worked fabulously!  Thanks for the inspiration!"

Jean I love the quilt label!  I have to say it looks better than some quilts I've made (really!  LOL)  What a special way to label your quilts :)

 Entry # 15 Bern - http://spoiltdogquilts.blogspot.com/

 

"One Hell of a Huey"

"My “Bling My Thing”  quilt is a commemorative quilt which I made to commemorate the dedication of a helicopter used by the Royal Australian Air Force in the Battle of Long Tan (during the Vietnam War), which was used for re-supply of ammunition in that particular battle). Our local Caloundra RSL (Returned Services League) of Australia (like an Amvets Post or Veteran of Foreign War club in the USA – in other words, an Australia-wide Club for returned ex-servicepeople, currently serving military and their families) was able to locate one of the two Iriquois helicopters that were used in that particular battle. This helicopter was owned and displayed by the Bogan Shire Council (in New South Wales, Australia). On condition of a replacement Iriquois helicopter being found (and in good condition) that Shire Council agreed to an exchange of aircraft.

 

Some three years after that agreement, $50 000 later (for the repair work to be done on both aircraft and paid for by the Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch) and 5 000 man hours (to repair the A2 10-22 helicopter used in the Battle of Long Tan, then to repair the donated helicopter to be given to Bogan Shire Council in exchange for A2 10-22), the A2 10-22 helicopter was installed at the Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch in its Memorial Garden, on March 16 this year.

 

There are more details on my blog Click Here

My husband who is the Sub-Branch President asked me to make the quilt, initially to raffle to raise funds for the continued maintenance of the helicopter, with just over 3 weeks to make the quilt. However, upon seeing (the almost finished quilt, with just one border left to be sewn on) he decided that the quilt had to stay in the Sub-Branch as it was (as stated by others) a fitting tribute to the men who died in the Battle of Long Tan, those who served in the actual Air Force squadron – 9 Squadron – in that battle, and those Australian Army men who fought in that battle, from D Company, 6 Royal Australian Regiment and those men who had worked to restore the quilt. Many of those men have signed the left-hand and right-hand sides of the quilt, around the unit badges.

 

The “bling” for me is the Rising Sun badge appears on all slouch hats worn by the Royal Australian Army and is a symbol of the Army. It is also an iconic Australian symbol. My dear husband actually sewed the Rising Sun on to the quilt, as I was running short of time to get the quilt finished.  The other bling is the use of parts of actual Army and Air Force uniforms in the borders of the quilts, namely the pockets which appear in the top and bottom horizontal borders and also part of a sleeve with the epaulette still on it, on the bottom horizontal border. The comments that I have received from everyone so far is helping me to forget about all of the little mistakes I can see in the quilt (namely sewing differently shaped photos into blocks and other little things). When one is making a quilt for the military and ex-military, precision is a major factor!"

 

Wow Bern...what a story!  Thank you so much for sharing.  

Those are all the submissions I have received..THANK YOU to everyone who participated.  I hope it has been fun looking at all the bling :)

 

Now...for the prize!  I am still waiting to hear back from a couple of people about donating prizes.  I have some here that I plan on adding to the prize.  There is no judging so the winner will be chosen at random and I'm going to have someone not associated with the IHAN blog do the drawing.  Can you wait until Monday to know what the prizes are or do you want me to just do the giveaway without the other prizes being added?  You tell me!

 

Friday Smiles,

Kelly 

Bling Your Thing Entries Post IV

Entry #10 Mary - http://needledmom.blogspot.com/2008/04/fabric-postcard-tutorial.html

"I also like to add beads to my cards. This can be done by sewing them on individually or threading them onto a wire. All hand sewing and ornamentation must be done before adding the card stock to the back.  To add beads on a wire I coil one end of the wire, thread the beads and then coil the other end"

Now that is what I call "made with love."  Only someone who loved you a lot would make a birthday card like this....it is beautiful.

Mary has a wonderful tutorial for making fabric post cards and if you click on the link above you can read the entire tutorial....it is excellent!

 Entry #11 Gene - http://blog.geneblack.com/2012/04/seeing-stars.html

 "I looked at the hanging and said "The star could use some sparkle!"  So I sparkled it."

"Then I pulled out a wall hanging that I started ....... err..... a while  ago.  It didn't have any real plan or goal in mind, so I have never rushed to finish it. No, it still isn't finished BUT,  Kelly, at I Have a Notion, is having a little "Bling your Thing" photo sharing thing going.  So I decided to add my bling to the wallhanging."

Gene.....you are one of the coolest quilters I know :)  You have all sorts of projects and you never seem to slow down.  Recently Gene has gotten into machine embroidery and his work is lovely.  If you don't read Gene's blog on a regular basis, you may just want to click on the link above and visit Gene.  He has a great sense of humor and a heart the size of Texas. 

 Entry #12 Colby - http://www.sewquiltexplore.blogspot.com/

 "Brain Storm - Wool Challenge"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30836017@N02/6244407260/

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/30836017@N02/6244412722/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30836017@N02/6244418146/

 What an interesting piece Colby.  The stitching and beads are just lovely.  I really like the little loops you added....they really add to the piece.  Isn't it amazing what people come up with when they commit to be challenged?  Thanks Colby for participating....I like your brain :)

Entry #13 Mary Grace - http://www.hookedonneedles.com/2009/06/crocheted-and-beaded-rosary-case.html

" Using #10 cotton thread in white, blue seed beads, and my trusty steel crochet hook, I made this little white Rosary case."

 

" Here's the scalloped edge with the little loop closure in the middle."

"Here it is standing upright and open, showing that it is just a simple pouch with the scalloped edge just a little higher than the plain edge, and both sides stitched together with single crochet."

Mary wanted to know if her crochet Rosary Bag would count in the challenge.  My reply?  REALLY....when I say Bling Something - Anything....it all counts :)  I'm so glad Mary shared her project because it is another beautiful creation and she has posted the tutorial on her blog.  Click the link above for the tutorial.  Your bag is so beautiful and delicate....what a treasure!

OK folks.....you have until the end of the day to send me any Blinged Projects if you want to be in the Bling Your Thing challenge.

Tomorrow I'll be posting a photo of the "prize" and of course, it will be drawn randomly.  How about if we let Barb or Jocelyn do the drawing?  It seems like everyone and their brother reads their blogs and trusts them.  Will that work for y'all?

Smiles,

Kelly

Need Homework Help - Flat Stanley

Hi,
My name is Zachary, I'm an IHAN co-worker.  I have recently read a book about Flat Stanley.  This is my Flat Stanley here in the photo above.

I need some help traveling around....can you help me?  Can you print him and take him to someplace interesting in your city or town and take a photo of yourself with him? When you are done visiting with Stanley can you please send me a letter (an e-mail will do) telling me about his trip to visit you?  Thank you for helping me with my reading assignment.  I need to take all my letters and photos back to school before May 15th.  You can e-mail your letters and photos to my Mommy ( IHaveANotion@yahoo.com) and if you want to send me a real life letter, just ask my Momma for our address in your e-mail.

Thank you,
Zachary

PS...this message was approved my Zach's Mom...LOL

Bling Your Thing Entries Post III

I've received so many e-mails asking to see my "Bling Your Thing" challenge piece that I thought I'd post mine today and all the rest tomorrow.  You know I documented the process right?  That's what bloggers do :)

Entry # 9 - Kelly Jackson- that's me :)

I wanted to use something I already so I pulled out a gift I received from Nadine Ruggles during her Schoolhouse lecture at Quilt Market.  She had given the attendees a little packet of fabric, beads and instructions to make an Inchie. 

I enjoyed her presentation so much and I've always wanted to make an Inchie....but I have not taken the time to make one until I came up with the "Bling Your Thing" challenge.  Nadine's book, Inchie Quilts is the perfect way to start doing some embellishing if you have not given yourself permission to play previously.

This is the fabric Nadine supplied in the kit.

Beads that were included in the kit.

All I could think to do was to put the beads on the dots and then add some of the longer beads.  It was so boring and I knew it needed something else.  So I ran down and searched through my embellishments and found a package with these three little polymer turtles.  They are not beads and don't have holes to stitch through.

 

The minute I put the spotted turtle on the piece I knew it was the right thing to do.  So I got a sharp needle and poked the needle and thread through this little fella and stitched him in place.  While looking at the turtles the bright green one really appealed to me.  But when he was sitting on the piece something wasn't right.  That's when I got the idea to add some more bling.

I plugged in my Kandi Corp Professional Touch Crystal Applicator .  Lucky for me I had a package of Green 3mm Eye Kandi (that's what Kandi Corp calls their Crystals) and I started to randomly add "bling."

I started with one crystal to see how it would look....I liked it so I just kept adding until it felt right to stop.

 

I used a piece of thin batting behind the base fabric that I embellished.  As you can see above, the embellishments held nicely and all my knots and excess beading thread was on the back.   On the right is a piece of Floriani Stitch N Shape Double Sided Fusible that I had fused to a piece of plain fabric.

I gently pressed the embellished top to the layer of Floriani Stitch N Shape.

Next I did a stay stitch around the entire design and trimmed away the excess so I could see where the stitching would fall when I did the final stitching.

I used Floriani Embroidery Thread because I love the sheen and this is what it looked like.  As much as I tried to ship those little white threads around the edges, I couldn't snip close enough. 

Fabrico Fabric Marker to the rescue!!!

Here is the finished piece.  I used the Fabrico Marker here and there to cover the white threads and give it a two tone appearance.  (you can always use fabric markers to cover things on your regular quilts too...fyi)

My little slice of "turtledom" measures 2" x 2 1/2" and is by far the smallest thing I've ever stitched.  I love how it turned out and have been thinking about what to do with it.  Perhaps I'll make one 1/2 the size and embroider my name on it, then attach them with little hoops and use it as a name tag for my Machine Embroidery Guild meetings.  Who knows?  However....I did manage to "Bling Some-Thing" and I was quite surprised by how much fun I had.

Serendipity Happens
I was preparing to publish this post when I was interrupted by the sound of the mail truck.  I hopped up and grabbed my packages and met Loren, my mail carrier.  To my great surprise there was a small box addressed to me.  It wasn't ticking so I opened it :)

Sue Spurlock who was the inspiration for the "Bling Your Thing" challenge had sent me this beautiful doll.  Her note reads, "Kelly, Your description of yourself inspired this." 

 

You may recall some of Sue's work is in the book, Creative Quilting with Beads.   The book review is HERE.

I had goose bumps...I'm in love with "Flies by Seat of Pants."  THANK YOU SUE!!!! I think you pegged me dead center! 

Gigantic Smiles,
Kelly

Bling Your Thing Entries Post II

 Entry #5  by Lisa -  http://ljdodson.typepad.com/lisasblog/

Pretty in Pink

"This little quilt measures 9 x 12 inches and it is my very first, whole cloth, painted quilt. The border fabric is a batik but the rest started out as a rectangle of white fabric. The fabric was painted with Shiva Paintstiks and then quilted. I frequently hand sew a few beads to my art quilts to give them a little bling.  It will eventually find it's way to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative and sold to raise funds for Alzheimer's research."

Lisa your quilt is beautiful!  I hope this isn't your last whole cloth painted quilt....you do amazing work.

 

Entry #6  Beth -   www.snipehunter1.blogspot.com

"I have a submission.... It's a postcard... from my International swap Group, pulled together for my South African quilters... so they could mail postcard and receive a few!!! They are having so much fun. Every Wednesday it so much fun, because they are either sharing what they've made or what has come in the mail!!! This what I am sending out this time.

 

Its and aloe plant, the flower is enhanced with beads! They are shine a bit... but they aren't supposed to be too flashy."

 

I'd be so darn excited to get a post card this beautiful in the mail.....I love it!!!  Lovely work Beth, thanks so much for sharing it with the rest of us.

 

Beth is currently living in South Africa and if you have not seen the beautiful photos she has posted to her blog, you really must see them.

Entry #7 Jackie - http://jabotquilt.blogspot.com/

 Frolic In The Flowers

"I bling lots… in fact all my art quilts have 3D embellishing on them… that’s what I do… so I think that counts for bling?   Here is my latest one.  It has a kitchen scrubber on it, vintage buttons, all the flowers are 3D,  and ric rac and even little toothpicks coming out of a flower=)"

Jackie, I guess you do" bling a lot" and now I know where to go when I need some bling inspiration.  The flowers really pop right out and they are beautiful.  What lovely work!!  Anyone else who needs some inspiration to add some "bling" head over to Jackie's blog....she's got the bling thing goin' on!!!

Entry #8 Jean - http://jeancreates.blogspot.com/

 

 "Jean's Tiara"

"Well, I finished some of the hand-beading for the tiara. I think it looks quite nice. The hand-beading is tedious, but it was worth it. I used two rows of small bugle beads in between sequins set with matching seed beads. It's pretty secure on there. I'm really loving how the color is assorted and random. I think it provides a happy accent.

My only wish is that you could really see how fun and shiny it is in real life.  It really sparkles. I think I'm going to do a flower medallion of some sort and attach this to another main piece and make this tiara three-dimensional. After all, I'm three dimensional too! "

Jean's Tiara is amazing and to appreciate the entire process, I would strongly suggest your visit her blog and read THIS post.

Below is Jean's Art Scarf.  She has written a tutorial.  Part I is HERE and Part II is HERE.

 Jean is very creative and talented.  I am very fortunate to call her  friend, we met through blogging and have become "real world" friends.  Jean's work is always fun and she jumps into a project with both feet.

I have to make an art scarf!  Oh yeah, and a Mondo Bag, a Claire Bag, a Hugs & Kisses Quilt, and finish my.....oh I'll stop before you think my list is longer than yours!  LOL

Smiles,
Kelly

Bling Your Thing - Entries Post I

Entry #1 by Diane

 Coil Bowl Blinged with Beads

 This is Diane's first coil bowl and I think it is just beautiful.

Diane's second submission- "a red handbag; pattern comes with a label to sew in!  I'm sewing beads on the little dogwood flowers and have really just started that part.  I sewed 2 buttons on, the large black Asian one and the white dragonfly."

 Entry #2 by Allie -  http://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/

"This is my own pattern, I used the hot fix crystals...and it's not supposed to be square, but it didn't turn out as wonky as I'd hoped, lol.  I've had this pattern in my head for two years so I must thank you for giving me the incentive to get it out!"

 You know I loved the crystal bling added to the vase Allie!  Love your pattern too....it really is beautiful.

 Entry #3 by Sandra - http://suddenlysandra.blogspot.com/

"I wasn't able to get a good clear photograph that shows the bling, but I added seed beads and some tube beads to this little zipper bag, thanks to your challenge :)  That was fun,and far easier than I imagined!"

Sandra is right about the photo...the beads are a little bit hard to see....but when I made the photo larger...I think you can see them.  What a fun way to add some fun to your bag Sandra!  I know I would smile every time I pulled this out of my purse.

 Entry #4 by Karin - http://thecallanders.name/

"I'm not much on the BLING aspect of Bling-Bling, unlike most other Texans, but I think the embellishments I added really do make the outfits!"

I know if I were a little girl, I would jump for joy after opening that package.  Wonderful job Karin!

Editors Note:  I'll be posting more entries all this week.  If you have one, please send it to me with permission to use your photos, name and blog link if you have one.  There are no "rules" and no project is too small ....wait until you see mine...you'll really believe me then!!!  There is absolutely no judging what so ever....just the joy of sharing something that you have been inspired to "BLING."  Click HERE  for more information.

Smiles,

Kelly

Bling Your Thing-The Teeny Tiny Challenge

BLING YOUR THING - THE TEENY TINY CHALLENGE

PART I

How many of you recall this post?  Several folks volunteered to participate in the Bling Your Thing Challenge to have an extra chance to win "Creative Quilting with Beads."  Others decided it would be fun to join in so they committed to "bling something." 

Here is the challenge:

Everyone who agreed to participate...and anyone who wants to join us is welcome too....can embellish a quilted item with beads or crystals and send a photo of your project to me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com on or before April 15th.  There is no size requirement...so if you want to make an "Inchie".  You don't know what an "Inchie" is?  Click here.   Any size at all...and there is no judging...so do what ever makes you smile.  If it's OK to post a photo of your project on a follow up IHAN blog post let me know that in your e-mail.  I'm putting together a little fun gift package and everyone who participates will get their name in the hat.  Sound easy?  I thought so too.

I have received several e-mails from people saying they know today is the deadline but they aren't finished yet.  No Big Deal!!!  This is IHAN and I make the rules :)  The rules are.....ANYONE can participate and you can send your pictures in all this week until Thursday, April 19th. I will post photos all week and then who ever has participated will have their name put into the hat for a chance to win a fun "Bling Your Thing" Prize Package.

When you send me the photos please let me know if I have your permission to use your photos on the IHAN blog, use your first name, and if you have a blog can I link to your blog as well.  My e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com.

Stay tuned...the first entry is on it's way :)

Blinged Smiles,
Kelly

Waldo's Mondo Bag

Every since I saw a gal from my guild carrying a Mondo Bag I have wanted to make one.  In fact, I was so enthusiastic about making one that Waldo said she wanted to make one too.  Guess what?  Yep....she finished her's first :)

I really like the size of this bag, it is perfect for hauling almost anything...a small child might fit comfortably inside....not that I'm recommending you tote around a small child in a bag...LOL.

She used fabric by Marcia Derse and mixed in some fun fabrics from Paula Nadelstern.  I think it is absolutely beautiful, don't you?

The inside of the Mondo Bag.

Mondo Bag by Quiltsmart
 

I asked Waldo what she thought of the pattern.  Waldo said she had to read it line by line and study the diagrams.  I was told it might "frost my cookies" if I attempted to make it alone and that I could come over and she would help me.  I don't know how much of a review that is....but that was enough for me....I'll be cutting out my fabric and heading to Waldo's house :)

Smiles,

Kelly